A community effort

In rural communities like Siskiyou County where public services can be limited and spread thin, the volunteers who sacrifice their time and safety to help and protect their neighbors are a priceless asset.

In rural communities like Siskiyou County where public services can be limited and spread thin, the volunteers who sacrifice their time and safety to help and protect their neighbors are a priceless asset. The volunteers of the Scott Valley Fire Protection District (SVFPD) exemplify that role and, thanks to their skills, their dedication and the support of community members, they have recently added another priceless asset to their arsenal of tools to serve their communities.

The SVFPD’s Callahan Station is both proud and excited about the brand new rescue vehicle they recently added to their fleet, according to a recent press release. The rescue unit, along with the dedicated volunteers staffing it, will be of great value to the residents of the southern part of Scott Valley.

The new vehicle is a Ford F-250 4x4 crew cab model equipped with a custom camper shell that houses all of the basic equipment needed for rescue and emergency medical calls including a “jaws of life” extraction apparatus, basic life support equipment, oxygen, a defibrillator and first responder supplies. In addition, the truck’s locally-made custom front bumper holds a 12,000 lb. Warren winch.

SVFPD Board of Directors Chair Dick Martin said the new vehicle will be used primarily for the portion of Scott Valley from Etna south to Scott Mountain and could be deployed into the Salmon River area as needed. He explained that the SVFPD Ft. Jones station has a similar rescue vehicle that primarily serves the area of Scott Valley north of Etna to Forest Mountain summit, including Scott River Road.

Martin explained that, though each of the SVFPD’s seven stations have specific responsibility areas, each station may respond to other nearby areas as necessary. He said the SVFPD is a volunteer organization but it’s members are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Martin said the SVFPD is committed to continually upgrading and expanding their arsenal of vehicles and equipment. “We’re growing piece by piece, year by year,” Martin said, adding that many of the vehicles currently in the SVFPD fleet would not exist without the skilled efforts of the district’s volunteers.

“They’re constantly rebuilding and repairing equipment. We’re very fortunate to have picked up some very skilled people,” said Martin. He explained that in addition to the efforts of the volunteers, community financial support is critical to the success and growth of the SVFPD.

The district is supported by a group called the Dalmatians who are dedicated to raising money to help the SVFPD pay for equipment needs and the many other expenses not covered by the district’s very limited annual budget. To raise funds, the Dalmatians run the gate and ticket-taking booths at rodeos and operate a beer wagon at rodeos, the Scott Valley Bluegrass Festival and other local events.

Page 2 of 2 - Tha Scott Valley Rotary also gave the SVFPD a $2,500 community service grant to help with the purchase of the new rescue unit.

Martin said the district receives approximately $9,000 annually from the county through property taxes paid by residents. “That barely covers our utilities, insurance and workers compensation fees, so our fund raising efforts are crucial to our success,” said Martin. He added that the SVFPD also raises approximately $20,000 annually through their own fundraising efforts and contributions from local residents.

Regarding the recent purchase of the new rescue unit, the SVFPD press release stated, “The dream of obtaining the rescue unit could not have been achieved without the generosity of all those folks that have supported our firefighters through the years. The SVFPD also wishes to give a special thanks to the following people/organizations that provided extra resources, be it time, material, or other financial support: Robert Cooper, Dalmatians, Deadwood Conservation Camp, Etna Ambulance, Captain Ed Gozzarino, Richard Martin, SVFPD Board of Directors Chair, retired Captain Richard Muniz, Scott Valley Rotary Club/Rotary International via Vinnie McNeil.

Martin said the SVFPD is extremely fortunate to be supported by the exceptional people of the Scott Valley community and will continue to be vigilant in their work to fight and prevent fires and provide rescue and emergency medical services to the members of that community.